Please purchase the course before starting the lesson. An AED can be used on children and infants and should be used as early as possible for the best chance of improving the chance of survival. Check the AED when it arrives at the scene. Pediatric pads should be used if the person is less than eight years old or less than 55 pounds (25 kg). Standard
(adult) pads may be used if pediatric pads are not available. If using standard (adult) pads, do not let the pads touch. For infants less than a year old, a manual defibrillator should be used if available. If a manual defibrillator is not available, an AED may be used. Some AEDs have a switch that can be set to deliver a pediatric shock. If available, turn the switch on when using on children younger than eight years old. If the AED cannot deliver a pediatric shock, an adult shock should be
given. It is important to remember an electric shock may be the treatment for a fatal heart rhythm. AED Steps for Children and Infants
3. Open the Pediatric AED pads (Figure 12c).
4. Apply the pads (Figure 12d).
5. Ensure wires are attached to the AED box (Figure 12f). 6. Move away from the child (Figure 12g).
7. Let AED analyze the rhythm. 8. If the AED message reads “Check Electrodes,” then:
9. If the AED message reads “Shock,” then:
10. Resume CPR for two minutes starting with chest compressions (Figure 12h). 11. Repeat steps 1-10. Because an AED supplies an electrical shock to the heart, many people are concerned about using a defibrillator on young children and infants. Here’s some guidance from the DefibsPlus Team. Safety of Using AEDs on Young ChildrenFirstly, it is important to know that AEDs are safe to use on young children under 8 years old and even infants. Providing effective CPR and using an AED is the best way to treat a child or infant in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Without effective CPR and use of an AED to restart the heart, the condition can be fatal within minutes. Because young children and infants have such small and delicate systems, it is even more critical to get their heart restarted quickly. This will restore the flow of oxygenated blood around their body, supplying the brain and essential organ systems, limiting the damage to these systems. How to Use an AED on a Child or Infant
Do Not Hesitate to Treat a Child or Infant with SCAWhen a SCA occurs, it is up to bystanders to act if their life is to be saved. The first thing you must do is immediately call the emergency services, this will allow them to dispatch first responders and paramedics to your location without delay. In addition the call taker will help you assess the child and if required they will explain how to start CPR. Starting CPR will ensure that blood is supplied to the brain and other vital organs while an AED is retrieved. Effective CPR prolongs the period that the heart can be restarted by an AED, without CPR the chances of survival drop by 10% every minute. Early defibrillation increases the chances of survival, when an AED is used by a member of the public before the arrival of paramedics the survival rate is over 60%. An AED – even if it has no paediatric setting – is the best chance for the patient to survive. The device cannot hurt the child and will not supply a shock unless it is required. Therefore, it cannot accidently shock a child or bystander. There are few things more tragic than a child passing away suddenly – but the wonderful thing is that there are ways you can help prevent this tragedy by simply acting quickly in an emergency by starting CPR and using an AED. These devices are simple and effective – designed so that anyone can become a hero and save a life. Get an AED and AED TrainingIf you would like to purchase an AED for your home, apartment building, school or day care, contact the team at DefibsPlus today. Based in Melbourne, we supply affordable, high-quality defibrillators throughout Australia and also offer bystander training through our HeartSmart program. Together, we can save lives! Proudly Sponsored By What are special considerations for defibrillation in children less than 8 years old?Pediatric pads should be used if the person is less than eight years old or less than 55 pounds (25 kg). Standard (adult) pads may be used if pediatric pads are not available. If using standard (adult) pads, do not let the pads touch. For infants less than a year old, a manual defibrillator should be used if available.
What are special considerations for defib in children?The most common special considerations when using an AED involve pediatric patients, patients who are wet or moist, patients with excessive hair, patients with a medication patch, or patients who have a device that could get in the way when you're trying to deliver a shock.
Is a manual defibrillator preferred in children less than 8?Children over age 8 can be treated with a standard AED. For children ages 1–8, the AHA recommends the pediatric attenuated pads that are purchased separately. In infants <1 year of age a manual defibrillator is preferred. If a manual defibrillator is not available, an AED with a dose attenuator may be used.
When using an AED on a child between the ages of 1 and 8 years?AEDs may be used for children 1 to 8 years of age with no signs of circulation. Ideally the device should deliver a pediatric dose.
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